Bruins prospect David Pastrnak may make a run at a job in training camp

Sunday

Jul 13, 2014 at 11:19 PMJul 13, 2014 at 11:34 PM

David Pastrnak, the Bruins' first-round draft pick last month, was such a hit in Development Camp, the B's think the 18-year-old winger might challenge for an NHL job in September.

Mike Loftus The Patriot Ledger

WILMINGTON– Whether it’s considered the last bit of activity for one season or the very first peek at the next season, the end of the Bruins Development Camp always signals the start of the slowest time on the hockey calendar. General manager Peter Chiarelli, in fact, is pretty much hanging a “Gone Fishing” sign on his office door this week.

Development Camp gave the GM something to chew on while he’s out on a boat waiting for a bite.

Chiarelli raved Sunday about the performance of winger David Pastrnak, whom the Bruins drafted in the first round (No. 25 overall) last month, ranking the Czech native as among the very best he has ever seen in Development Camp.

“Pastrnak ... probably stood out the most for me,” the GM said. “There’s only been a couple of players who have showed that at these camps over the years.”

Considering that Pastrnak, who didn’t even turn 18 until May 25, dealt with equipment issues during the camp and that it was only the second time he’d spent any significant time on the ice since February, his performance might be considered even more impressive. Based solely on what he saw from the stands over five days at Ristuccia Arena, however, Chiarelli found it impossible to rule out Pastrnak competing for a roster spot in September.

“You never know,” Chiarelli said. “You don’t want to place too much of a burden on this kid’s shoulders, but he was good.”

How heavy a burden Pastrnak’s slight shoulders can handle is, in fact, the primary reason Chiarelli can’t call Pastrnak a cinch for a job in Boston next season, or even a strong contender.

The Bruins lost first-line right wing Jarome Iginla, who was tied for the team lead last season with 30 goals, to Colorado via free agency on July 1. Loui Eriksson is the front-runner to replace Iginla, but unlike Iginla, Eriksson is a left-hand shot.

Of the 10 forwards certain to return next season (barring a trade, of course), in fact, only two are right-hand shooters, and they’re the Bruins’ top two centers – David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron. There’s not a right-shot winger on the roster, and there’s not enough salary cap money to buy a decent one.

Pastrnak happens to be a righty.

Some work would have to be done before Pastrnak, who played professionally in Sweden last season (8 goals, 24 points in 36 games), could even return to Boston for rookie camp and training camp in September. He has to be signed to his NHL Entry Level contract first, and the later that happens, the more the B’s have to pay the Swedish federation to release him.

“Working on it,” Chiarelli said. “If we can get him signed, which I anticipate we’ll be able to do, you’ll see him in camp.”

Presuming that happens, what Pastrnak would see in camp would be much different than what he saw over the last five days – 20 other skaters with “the most skill we’ve had in a long time,” according to Chiarelli, but virtually all of them at least two years away from even turning pro.